PHL2115

Making Knowledge: Modern Scientific Controversies ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Homer Le Grand

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: The analysis of controversies over knowledge claims in science - claims about data, instruments, techniques, theories and world-views - reveals the provisional, revisable and dynamic character of scientific knowledge. This often results in controversies within one or more disciplines, the resolution of which may be the inclusion, removal or modification of what is accepted by the scientific community as valid knowledge. Student will gain a familiarity with several competing interpretations of this process and how these may be applied to a range of past and present controversies drawn primarily from the earth sciences. www.arts.monash.edu.au/phil/undergraduate/lateryear.html

Assessment: Five tutorial exercises (1500 words): 30% + Essay (1500 words): 25% + Essay (2000 words): 45%

Contact Hours: 2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prerequisites: 12 points in Philosophy, History or Social Sciences, or 18 points in Science at any level.